Wildlife is ever present when you play golf in Australia, particularly when you get to some country courses. Here are some photos taken at the golf course in Angelsea, a small town in Victoria.

The kangaroos get used to people here, but only if you do not get too close. As I was practicing recently, two kangaroos were eating grass close by quietly and unperturbed. They were probably wondering what I was up to, and quite frankly so was I at times. Snakes, including the king brown, are quite often seen lazing in the sun. We also see echidnas (spiny anteaters), the occasional koala (at certain locations) and wallabies, which are like small kangaroos.

The worst problem is a bird called the magpie, which around breeding season will swoop and peck your head.

I live in Orange, a town approximately three hours drive west of Sydney in Central Western New South Wales. We have 38,000 people and three top quality 18-hole golf courses, and our main industry is the growing of fruit, mainly apples and cherries as well as stone fruit, such as peaches and plums in the last 15 years Orange is also renowned for its cold climate wines .

Golf is a game of tradition and routine, and people love the sport for a variety of reasons. Golf is a challenging activity that provides limitless opportunity for improvement, and this is a main reason that it’s become a world game. Courses are popping up around the globe like invasive weeds and people are finding new ways to tweak their stroke and strive for perfection. The evolution of the game is awesome to see, especially within a sport that can be played well into people’s later years. As a golf fanatic, I appreciate the development of the sport, but there are aspects of the transformation I can’t quite get behind. The cart is one of them. I’m not a huge fan of using a cart (when physically able) on the links. Before you disagree, and even if you do, my reasons are listed below. I don’t expect everyone to agree, and everyone shouldn’t, but the ideas below outline my feelings about why carts are unnecessary on the golf course. Not only do they seem excessive, but I believe walking can help a golfer’s game while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Exercise

A major reason to drop the cart is simply that it takes the exercise component away from the outing. Those several miles you could have walked make a big difference in the way your body benefits from the day out. Golf is unique to most other activities because it’s a low-impact form of exercise. This is ideal because regardless of your body type or physical ability, your joints and muscles shouldn’t feel an unbearable amount of stress. Furthermore, swinging without the natural stretch carried out by walking can cause injury.It’s much better physically to put the keys away and walk the golf course. It’s completely understandable if you aren’t physically able, but if you are, it’s a solid choice to get out the comfortable shoes at least every other round. As you develop the habit, it’ll become second nature each time you grab the golf bag.

Walking can clear the mind

Regardless of what level you’re playing at, you will have a bad shot on the course once in a while. Sometimes when you have a bad stroke, the best thing to do is walk it off. The couple minutes between the first shot and the next can set your mind and body up for success. When you’re in a cart, and you hit a bad shot, you find yourself lined up for your next shot 20 seconds later. This doesn’t benefit you because the mental frustration will more often than not still be simmering. Walking is an inherent way to give yourself time to keep a reasonable pace on the golf course. Patience is critical to golf success, and carts can be detrimental to it.Mental stability is the magical component of a steady golf technique. Walking is a more natural way of maintaining this equilibrium through times of frustration, and even success.

Carts can take away nature observation

The beauty of golf is that it enables people to escape from their everyday lives and experience the great outdoors. A cart not only disrupts this escape for you, but also impacts any playing partners you’re with. The constant sound of tires, screeching breaks and an engine (even electric) can immediately negate any hint of tranquility.Walking can help you appreciate your surroundings. Similar to fishing, a large portion of golf appeal is simply getting outdoors. Even if you feel otherwise, you’d be surprised if you walk a few rounds. The birds, colors and sky all seem to be a little bit more vivid outside the cart.

Expenses Ditching the cart is a good way to save money, regardless of your budget. If you walk for three rounds, you should have enough money to play at least an extra nine holes with the money you saved. That’s a lot of extra golf each year.Even if you’re not walking a tight rope financially, golf is an expensive habit. A cart is just another cost tacked on to the outing, and it’s something to take note of.Golf is a great pastime, even if you decide to take a cart. However, I’m a fan of walking if physically able. Regardless of your personal thoughts on the matter, these points can help add perspective to the way you approach your golf experience.